Electric shock dog collars banned in Wales

Electric shock collars used to train unruly cats and dogs have been banned by
the Welsh Assembly.

Pet owners now face a fine of up to £20,000 or six months in prison is they are caught using the devices, which animal welfare groups say are cruel.

The move has been backed by the Kennel Club and the RSPCA, but the Electronic Collars Manufacturer's Association raised fears that the ban could cause an influx of umanageable pets into shetlers.

The collars are used to train dogs and cats by giving an electric shock when they misbehave. There are thought to be around 500,000 of the devices in the UK, around 20,000 of which are in Wales.

The RSPCA said shock collars should have no place in modern animal training and recommended the use of reward-based methods instead.

Members of the Kennel Club staged a display of support outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay before the vote.

Elin Jones, the Welsh rural affairs minister who announced plans for the ban last month, said she was "very pleased" that it had been passed.

A spokesman for the UK's Department for Environment and Rural Affairs said ministers may decide on a country-wide ban if research which is currently underway proves that the collars are harmful to animals.